Magistrate (Justice of the Peace)
Volunteer members of the community who sit in magistrates' courts to hear criminal cases, youth cases, and some civil matters — the backbone of the English justice system.
Overview
Magistrates (also called Justices of the Peace or JPs) are volunteer judges who hear cases in magistrates' courts across England & Wales. There are approximately 12,000 magistrates, and they deal with around 95% of all criminal cases — making them the backbone of the justice system.
Magistrates are not legally qualified. They are ordinary members of the public who volunteer their time (a minimum of 13 full days per year, typically 26–35 half-days) to sit on a bench of usually three magistrates. They receive training but not a salary — only expenses and a loss of earnings allowance. They come from all walks of life and are appointed to reflect the diversity of the local community.
Magistrates hear the vast majority of criminal cases, including theft, assault, motoring offences, criminal damage, and drug possession. They also deal with some civil matters, including council tax arrears, licensing applications, and (in the Family Court) some family proceedings. Serious cases (indictable-only offences like murder, rape, and robbery) are sent to the Crown Court.
A bench of magistrates is advised by a legally qualified legal adviser (formerly called a clerk) who guides them on law, practice, and procedure. The magistrates themselves decide guilt or innocence and pass sentence, following sentencing guidelines. Their maximum sentencing power is 12 months' imprisonment (increased from 6 months in 2022) or an unlimited fine.
Day-to-Day Work
- Hearing criminal cases in the magistrates' court (as one of a bench of three)
- Evaluating evidence and deciding on guilt or innocence
- Passing sentences following sentencing guidelines
- Hearing bail applications and deciding whether to grant bail
- Issuing search warrants and arrest warrants
- Sitting in the Youth Court to hear cases involving defendants aged 10–17
- Sitting in the Family Court for certain family proceedings
- Attending ongoing training sessions
How to Qualify
Apply to your local advisory committee (via the government website). No legal qualifications are needed — the role is open to anyone aged 18–74 who can commit the time, has good character, and is not disqualified (e.g. police officers, serving members of the armed forces). Selection involves an interview and assessment of key qualities. Successful candidates receive initial training before sitting.
Application
Complete the online application and provide references.
Interview
Assessment of six key qualities: good character, understanding and communication, social awareness, maturity, sound temperament, sound judgement, and commitment.
Initial training
Core training before you sit for the first time. Followed by mentored sittings.
First sitting
Begin sitting as a 'winger' (third member of the bench). Progress to chairing the bench after further training.
Ongoing
Minimum 13 full days per year. Ongoing training required.
Typical Costs
Salary Ranges
Key Skills
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Meaningful contribution to the justice system
- No legal qualifications needed
- Training and ongoing development provided
- See the criminal justice system from the inside
- Develop valuable decision-making skills
- Employers are legally required to give you reasonable time off
Disadvantages
- Unpaid — only expenses and loss of earnings allowance
- Emotionally demanding, especially youth cases
- Time commitment can be challenging alongside work
- Must maintain political neutrality while serving
- Limited sentencing powers — serious cases go to Crown Court
- Can be frustrating when system resources are stretched
Related Careers
Related Legal Topics
Last updated: 2025-03-01